Rethinking Vulnerability on Social Media

Showing your true self on social media is a game-changer, especially when you're running a startup. I do it, Elon Musk does it. Sometimes its a good thing, when you are vulnerable, and sometimes it isn't. 

Understanding Being Open on Social Media 

Being open, or vulnerable, on social media isn't about just showing off the good stuff; it's about sharing the real, sometimes messy journey of growing your business. This honesty is actually a smart strategy. Why? Because it helps build trust and grows a community of folks who really get and support your brand. It breaks the old rule that says all business talk has to be super polished and perfect.

A Real Story of Being Real: Let's talk about when we hit a big bump creating a new product. Sharing that struggle, and how we tackled it, made our social media spots way more interesting. People got to see what's behind the scenes and felt closer to us. And look at Elon Musk – he's all over social media being his real self, cracking jokes, and talking about the ups and downs of his work. This hasn't just gotten him a bunch of followers; it's made people truly connect with him and his brands. It shows us that being real and open can make folks like and trust you even more.

Check out how Elon Musk does it

Busting a Big Myth

Some people think showing your vulnerable side means you're weak. Nope. It's the opposite. Being brave enough to be yourself and share the real story invites people in. It makes them feel like they're part of your journey, which can turn them from just followers into big-time supporters.

Why Being Vulnerable Sometimes a Good Thing? 

Here's the cool part – when you share both the good times and the tough ones, you're telling a story that's way more interesting and real. People love to cheer on a journey they're invested in, which can make them super loyal to your brand. Plus, they feel like they're right there with you, which makes your community stronger and more connected.

Bill Gross, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in founding startups, discusses the key factors behind startup success in a TED talk available on YouTube. He dives into the importance of timing, idea, team, business model, and funding, sharing insights that can be incredibly valuable for any founder looking to navigate the complexities of building a startup. His approach and openness in sharing both successes and challenges offer a real-world perspective that aligns with the idea of being vulnerable and transparent on social media to build trust and community.

Here is a video of Bill Gross talking about being vulnerable below. 

So, getting real on social media isn't just about being brave and sharing the full story of your startup. It's a smart move that can make your brand stand out, bring your followers closer, and build a community that's all in on your journey. Ready to share your own ups and downs?